Friends and family dig deep for James McQuillan

THREE fundraising committees extending from Albury to Echuca have been formally established to assist the James McQuillan Future Fund.

The committees in Albury Wodonga and towns where James grew up - Echuca and Nanneella- will focus on organising key fundraising activities to support James.

The Albury Wodonga fundraising committee of community and business leaders, as well as Albury Tigers members includes Mick Blomeley – Chair, John Dowling – Deputy Chair, Sue Harper – Secretary, Noel Willis – Treasurer and committee members Daniel Maher, Rex Ferguson, Gavan Schultz and Paul Joss.

Echuca’s fundraising committee is led by long-time friend of James McQuillan, Ryan Brady and Nanneella’s is led by Brett Gledhill.

The Nanneella group’s first major community fundraising evening is planned for May 30th at the community hall.

There is also support in the Bendigo region, where the McQuillan’s also have family ties.

Meantime there’s been overwhelming support from the community to furnish a small rental house for the family close to where James is undergoing rehabilitation in Melbourne.

Future Fund committee member Paul Joss says the family has asked him to pass on their thanks.

“On behalf of the family, thank you to everyone who offered furniture, goods, services or gift cards," Mr Joss said..

“The response to the call was so enormous we could have furnished four homes, which in itself speaks volumes about the generosity of our community and how much this tragic accident has impacted on many people.

“A big thank you to the Albury Tigers community, players and support staff who took the furniture to Melbourne and set it up for the family.

“The house is within walking distance to the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre and will allow the family to prepare most of his meals and take them to him each day. It also has good access for James when he is well enough to make a visit.”

Albury Tigers players, supporters, friends and family of James McQuillan have also created a dedicated website for the young footballer - www.jamesmcquillan.com.au